[denphone]

MCCAIN PLOTS NATIONAL CHALLENGE.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Tue

Trainer Donald McCain is hoping to be triple-handed in the John Smith's Grand National at Aintree on April 6.

McCain landed the race with Ballabriggs two years ago and the veteran is one of four still engaged for the Cheshire handler, along with Weird Al and Across The Bay, who both had a spin at Aintree on Tuesday morning, and Cloudy Lane, for whom there is a different plan.

"Cloudy Lane is aiming at the Fox Hunters on the first day and has been left in the National in case Ballabriggs does not get there - both are owned by Trevor Hemmings, who is a huge supporter of the race. There is no point leaving the National at Cheltenham so none of my four ran there last week," said the trainer.

CONNELL SNAPS UP OUR CONOR.

http://www.attheraces.com/article.as...=&sub=&day=Tue

Triumph Hurdle hero Our Conor has been bought by leading owner Barry Connell.

The four-year-old was an effortless 15-length winner of the Grade One event at Cheltenham last week, completing a double at the highest level and taking his tally to four wins in as many starts over hurdles for trainer Dessie Hughes.

Connell was impressed with what he saw at Prestbury Park and snapped up the Jeremy gelding for an undisclosed sum from the Man About Town Syndicate.